Miami-Dade County is the seventh most populous county in the nation and is home to a large population of immigrants from Latin America. There is great demand for those needing to learn or practice their English language skills so they may continue their education or career aspirations. Although there are many online and in-person fee-based tutor services available, they remain out of reach for many economically disadvantaged people.

Conversational learning is an effective and enjoyable way to learn a foreign language. By offering the English Conversation Circle free of charge to all who are in need, from recent immigrants to longtime residents that need to brush up, the library is offering a viable solution, open to all, free of barriers.

Participants of the program tend to be successful in getting better jobs in chosen fields, beginning an educational program, attaining citizenship or gaining independence. For some participants, the circle represents the only place for them in the community to turn to if they need help or have a concern but don’t know who to ask. The program was showcased earlier this year in a WLRN article: https://www.wlrn.org/post/immi....